In
this era of extreme tobacco legislation in New York City, it’s
reassuring to know that a real cigar bar such as The Carnegie Club—where alcohol and cigars are legally served aside one another—still exists.

Carved
out of the back of Carnegie Hall by Mark Grossich's
Hospitality Holdings Group in 1996, The Carnegie Club has been serving
cigar enthusiasts ever since. Thanks to an exemption, the club managed
to survive Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s infamous workplace smoking ban that
was passed in 2003, and it now represents the upper-echelon of
establishments that can legally mix drink and smoke.

Recently,
the club’s interior underwent a series of upgrades by New York design
house Goodman and Charlton. All new furniture, tables, carpets,
wallpaper, window treatments and artwork have breathed new life into the
space, which can accommodate around 150 guests. While the theme of The
Carnegie Club still remains something like an 18th century Gothic
library, three new flat-screen televisions as well as a new sound system
have been added, giving the club a pleasantly distinct lounge feel.

The club makes good use of these new televisions and speakers, using them for football games and boxing matches, plus to augment the live musical acts
it books so patrons can watch from anywhere in the space—a good
idea, given the 25-foot tall ceilings and large mezzanine area situated
above the main floor. Every Friday, a rotating list of jazz musicians plays the club. Sinatra Saturdays with
Steve Maglio, an interpreter of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ music, is also a popular
ticket.

The view from the club's mezzanine.

The
club has also worked with area retailer Davidoff to ramp up its cigar
menu, which includes cigars from brands like Padrón (both 1926 and 1964
Series), La Flor Dominicana, Davidoff, Alec Bradley, Ashton, Nestor
Miranda, Romeo y Julieta and even a house blend. While the club marks up
the prices of its cigars significantly, it will waive the $10 cutting
fee for any smoker who brings in a cigar with a sales receipt from an
area retailer (Davidoff and De La Concha being the closest). It’s tough,
though, to put a price on the cost to freely smoke in a public bar.

Carnegie Club also offers an extensive drinks list. In
addition to wine by the glass, the club
carries an impressive array of brandies, Scotches, Bourbons, rums and
beers. Additionally, a cocktail menu that includes classics like the
Churchill, Mojito and Sazerac, among others, are available, along with a
number of specialities specially prepared by the club.

If
you’re in the mood for an elegant night out, or simply want to spite
Mr. Bloomberg and revel in the freedom of smoking in a public bar,
remember The Carnegie Club, one of the city’s finest smoking
establishments.

Another fine place to smoke in city that seems to not value its cigar smokers except for their tax dollars. Looking forward to dropping in for a visit.

chris triantoswest nyack, new york, usa, September 25, 2012 5:56am ET

Hey Andrew, I didnt read anything about a new exhaust system, did they upgrade the existing one? Last time I was there it was pretty bad, the smoke was not venting & the place was filled with smoke, my eyes started tearing up.

Andrew NagySeptember 25, 2012 3:07pm ET

@Chris - They have indeed installed an all new smoke-eater system. Very powerful.

Jonathan Weinress October 16, 2012 6:01am ET

Firstly, thank you for the informative and very enjoyable article. However, based upon the pictures and your description of the club, I believe you might have meant the 19th century? That being said, thanks to you and Cigar Aficionado, I am without a doubt looking forward to a visit!

peter.missingham@gmail.comJune 6, 2013 5:15pm ET

A fantastic place. I was in NYC on business a couple of weeks ago (visiting from New Zealand) and fancied a post-dinner cigar and whisky (or 3!), so visited on my own. I had a superb night. Great jazz band playing, incredibly friendly crowd, very wide selection of single malts available and excellent barman. In every respect a first class establishment - I'll be sure to visit when I'm next in town.

peter.missingham@gmail.comJune 6, 2013 5:16pm ET

A fantastic place. I was in NYC on business a couple of weeks ago (visiting from New Zealand) and fancied a post-dinner cigar and whisky (or 3!), so visited on my own. I had a superb night. Great jazz band playing, incredibly friendly crowd, very wide selection of single malts available and excellent barman. In every respect a first class establishment - I'll be sure to visit when I'm next in town.

Jay KeysNovember 12, 2013 6:52pm ET

Terrible service...
I was there with a friend sitting at the bar and we were asked to leave (or pay an entrance fee) because there was some show/concert starting... We had just got drinks!!

They should have warned us when we sat down that at a certain time a ticketed event would be starting!